The PGA of America has issued a formal apology to Rory McIlroy and his wife, Erica Stoll, following incidents of verbal abuse and unruly fan behavior during the Ryder Cup on September 26 at Bethpage Black Golf Course in New York.
Stoll was struck by a beer can, and both she and McIlroy endured heckling from attendees, including emcee Heather McMahan, who led a chant of “F— you, Rory” through a megaphone. McMahan has since apologized and stepped down from her role at the event.
PGA of America President Don Rea Jr. acknowledged the inappropriate conduct in a letter to members, calling the behavior “disrespectful, inappropriate, and not representative” of the organization or its professionals.
CEO Derek Sprague also condemned the incidents, noting he had a direct conversation with McIlroy’s manager, Sean O’Flaherty, to address the matter.
The apology comes amid growing calls for improved fan conduct and accountability at major sports events.
